Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1539146
By Emily Walzer B ack in the day, textile execs would joke that to be 100 percent dry in wet weather runners should outfit themselves in a Hey trash bag; a long-sleeve, dark denim shirt was optimal for runners seeking summer sun protection; and for safety purposes, a sure bet was a hi-viz workwear vest. ere was truth in these quips, but thankfully material science has evolved, giving way to high-performance UPF 50 fabrics, cooling yarns and advanced reflective technology. Technical textiles featuring protective elements found early adopters in fishing, hunting and camping. As these fabrications became lighter in weight, soer against the skin and incorporated stretch, high-tech functionality gained traction in activewear. e latest run apparel from Janji, Foehn, Miler Runner and Rossignol's new trail line reflects this trend, with brands showcasing product designed to compete with whatever Mother Nature has in store for summer. Sun Safety According to Dr. Jan Beringer, a senior scientific expert at Hohenstein, a textile innovation and testing hub, the best material to provide sun protection in the fabric is polyester. "There is no additional finish required; polyester provides very good UV absorbance," states Beringer, who has extensive knowledge in textile UV protection. "For extreme scenarios which we will have more and more based on changing climate and increased heat, polyester is the best choice," concludes Beringer. Why? e molecular structure of the polyester polymer has functional groups in terms of the chemistry that absorbs the UV light. "All protectiveness is built into the polyester fabric," Beringer confirms. Fabric weight, density of fabric weave and the color of the yarn all factor into the performance of sun protective textiles. Beringer asserts, "Every fabric has a UPF but the only way to achieve a higher UPF is with a polyester." Everyday Cool & Urban Heat "What we have to offer in our technology is super relevant in the run and outdoor space," states David Ludd, VP sales & marketing at brrr, an Atlanta-based firm specializing in cooling performance for textiles. "Runners workout in a variety of different environments – trail, road, cross training – and brrr's cooling is a fit." e brrr technology, referred to as the "Triple Chill Effect," uses natural cooling materials, active wicking and rapid drying to draw heat and moisture away from the skin. e cooling sensation is immediate and continuous, with SMART SOLUTIONS FOR SUN & SAFETY DESIGN HIGH-TECH FABRICS THAT CHALLENGE MOTHER NATURE AT HER OWN GAME. 8 • July/August 2025 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com